A panda heading into the woods and mountains wasn't exactly normal, but it had a low threat profile as far as the Machine went. So long as Genma kept the thermos hidden by a trick of his Art, it made a near perfect disguise.
Abandoning the one cave, Genma went to the next and spotted some boxes of supplies further in. He lumbered towards them to investigate.
WHANG!
Genma took a little nap.
"A bear? What the heck?" asked Akane as she watched the beast drop.
They couldn't remember much, though some knowledge had been downloaded after their erasure - but the Machine itself wasn't exactly an expert on the subject itself. Like all Terminator units, they had been given the impulse to learn human behavior and duplicate it to better fit their roles.
Magazines were spread out and regularly consulted.
"Armor value: nil," said Venus as she looked at her image in the mirror. "While freedom of movement is emphasized, protective value of garments is nonexistant.
Neptune having already chosen her outfit looked on impassively. "Human clothing design seems to be designed with features that are impractical. Clothing set may be strictly for indoor usage where environmental factors are more controlled. There is also concept of clothing for specific purposes such as downtime."
Venus considered that. "Point taken. Suggest clothing set 'Victoria's Secret' be set as 'indoor only' or as 'sleepwear'."
"Noted," said Neptune and Pluto in unison.
"Moving on. Makeup usage in sample materials," said Neptune, indicating the stack of magazines with names like 'Vogue', 'Cosmopolitan', 'Cosplay', 'Glamour', and 'L.L. Bean', "indicates that certain areas are highlighted in specific manners while other areas are not. Certain color schemes in particular are favored. Those of particular skin/hair/eye coloration move towards particular color schemes whereas those of differing natural coloration often choose others. Conformity within certain guidelines noted."
"Therefore differing color schemes for each unit," stated Venus. "This is acceptable and fits within downloaded database."
"Extrapolation. This unit has been working on a problem as a background task," said Pluto abruptly. "Programming indicates we should 'befriend' commanding officer Ranma Saotome. Unit has been working to define such."
"Many potential definitions," noted Neptune. "Wide range of options."
"This unit's quandry," stated Pluto. "This unit uncertain which definition to apply of 'friend' to relationship with commander."
"Individual responses allow for greater possibility of programming objective," stated Venus. "Further research required."
"Agreed." Pluto looked over the magazines in question. "Research material available is female specific by nature. Acquisition of other materials will be required."
"Will spread word so that as opportunity transpires, individual units will seek to collect data," said Neptune. "Back to task at hand. Coloration choice."
"Pastels seem to fit Neptune unit best," stated Pluto. "Preprogrammed choice?"
"Affirmative," stated Neptune. "Request focus on Venus unit then will begin work with Pluto unit."
Ranma sat back on his bunk and caught a catnap. Not that he called it that, of course. This was a skill that both martial artists and soldiers found enormously useful, the ability to fall asleep and catch brief rests when the opportunity provided itself.
As he slept:
(Posted Sun, 01 Aug 2004 18:51)
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