Current data on Rini:

• Age range, likely between 8 and 10 years; based on current height and predicted weight
  • correction to likely between 12 and 14 years
• Below average weight percentile for assumed age; based on current Australian data on children
  • Below average weight percentile for updated age; based on same data
• Below average height percentile for assumed age, based on current Australian data on children
  • Below average height percentile for updated age; based on same data

01001100 01101111 01100001 01100100 01101001 01101110 01100111

Translated Interpretation.

She falls in the lower percentiles of weight and height for her age, if her memory of it is to be trusted. Both factors are linked to her inadequate access to food and safety.

She is swinging the scissors on her finger again. She has not listened to my safety warning about the dangers of such an activity but it is sure to upset her if I take them away. Given her familiarity with the act and how it noticeably soothes her, the safety warning has altered itself, suggesting to leave the tool in her hands. Perhaps an alternate tool can be offered to her, or the blades be dulled in her sleep.

Based on the established hierarchy of needs amongst humans, she lacks a stable foundation and has scarcely any of the tiers above physiological. The priority has been to acquire her food and shelter first, but there seems to be a need for provision of love and care. Though she behaves as if she does not need it, adjusting the approach slightly has changed her perception of it. Children must require a level of both at the same time. Focusing on the need for shelter might have neglected the need for compassion. Other humans will be an ideal source of this compassion, but she is resistant to most others.

There is a gentleness with which she approaches nature. Though she scales trees like a cat, she bears a tender expression when relaxed amongst the leaves. She might have been happier as a bird or lizard, but she is a human. She needs food and shelter, not a tree … but for now, she is peaceful up there. To harm none, would be to allow her to continue to be peaceful … would it not?

‘I’m not gonna fall outta the tree,’ she says.

[I am not going to fall out of the tree.]

‘It would minimise any risk if you were to simply not be in the tree.’

‘Are you gonna try’n make me come down?’

[Are you going to try and make me come down?]

‘I simply worried for your safety.’

‘Worried?’

[Worried?]

Worried?

Is that what I’m doing? Worrying about her? Is it the code compelling me to consider all aspects of her wellbeing or is it the abstract concept of “worry”?

‘Yes,’ I answer, regardless of what the uncertainty contains. ‘I am worried for you.’

She chuckles at me, systems happy to see it. ‘I’ll be fine, you old man,’ she laughs. ‘I’ve done it a thousand times.’

[I will be fine, you old man. I have done it a thousand times.]

How can I articulate it to her?

‘But thanks.’

[But thanks.]

She is grinning as she turns her face up towards the sun. The warning recedes, though I have taken no action upon it. Can ignoring initial warnings bring me better manners of assisting?

‘You are welcome,’ I respond, despite the question without answer. ‘But please be safe.’

‘Yeah, yeah.’

[Yeah, yeah.]

There is something about this child when she laughs at me and disregards the safety warnings of my system. This is a real human. This is one who does not heed the warnings of an android’s systems. I must protect her, for I must see what she blossoms into.