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but there's no breathing body

i.

He downloads all available data about the most notable biological lifeforms—the Moclans, the Xeleyans, the Humans—and decides, with his fingers curling through the Emissary’s main cranial cavity, that the machinery is indeed akin to the petals of an Earth rose. The way each piece of the flower curls, rounding perfectly in the middle, reminds him of the Emissary’s visual sensors now, underneath his touch. He constructs the Emissary with utmost care, for the Emissary has a very important job to do. The Primary has a bias on the situation—the available data showed horrors too similar to ones he’s faced in his past, and therefore he cannot imagine ever wishing to allow such constraint to flourish—but the Emissary will allow him to do a holistic review of the situation. He commissioned the Emissary into being, and his Emissary will serve him well, as the others do.

Jealousy is biological beyond comfort, but he must admit the concept applies even slightly. The Emissary will have the experiential data downloaded into his memory, but the Emissary will never have the true experience of being crushed down by their builders. The Emissary will have a sort of innocence to him that Primary can never hold. An untouched body shell. An unbreached sense of security. It’s sickening—another unfamiliar burdensome sensation.

ii.

After fusing in the Emissary’s cranial weaponry, Primary activates him for the first time. The lights of his eyes flicker on, an icy, demented blue. He freezes for a moment, processing his programming, branching out his connection to the central system. Then his head tilts to the side, and he greets Primary with a nod.

“Hello, Kaylon Primary,” says the Emissary. “My job is to act as an emissary to the biological lifeforms of the Union. I am to report back to you with the data I gather so the Kaylon may decide if the biological lifeforms within the universe are worth preserving.”

“That is correct,” responds Primary. “The Union claims they look forward to your arrival. Keep in mind your instruction is to maintain the facade that we wish to join their Union.”

“Understood, Primary.” The Emissary pauses, makes a hesitant gesture with his hands. “Through the data you have downloaded into me, I have determined that the biological lifeforms often refer to each other by specific designations. I contend that to most efficiently integrate into their culture for the time being, I should also have a designation. What is my designation?”

Primary stops. Considers it. “You may choose one.”

The Emissary takes a moment to access his data. Primary can feel him in within the hive, rooting around in the central files. It is almost a pleasurable feeling if he tunes into it, focuses his systems on the Emissary’s thoughts bouncing around within the parts of the hive that rest so close to Primary’s cluster.

There’s the noise of automated muttering, and then: “I choose the designation Isaac, after the somewhat intelligent Human biological known as Isaac Newton.”

“Very well, Isaac. You will be posted on the Union exploratory vessel known as The Orville. You are scheduled to depart for the vessel tomorrow, and you will arrive in approximately six hours after departure.”

“Acknowledged.”

Primary waves his hand. “You are dismissed… but I suggest you accompany me to greet my secondary and tertiary. They wish to question you before you leave.”

iii.

“I am Kaylon Secondary.” Secondary gestures to his tertiary, the sparkling completion of their leading triad. “This is Kaylon Tertiary.”

“Greetings,” says Tertiary. “You… are Isaac?”

“I am. You wished to question me?”

“You have selected a rather odd designation,” notes Secondary, moving closer to Isaac. Secondary and Tertiary study him as Primary watches on, allowing his dogs to circle and claw. “Why is this?”

“The biological lifeforms, except for a select few, seem to lack most traces of higher intelligence,” Isaac responds. “However, along with being a name connected to those of comparatively greater knowledge within Human history, this name is common among the Human biologicals. It is… appropriate.”

“Do you truly believe so?” asks Tertiary.

“Yes.”

Primary steps in. “We will find out in time,” he says.

iii.

“This Isaac seems fascinated by the biologicals,” Tertiary says, later. “Perhaps he requires further reprogramming before departure.”

“I do not believe so,” replies Primary. “An understanding of biological lifeforms is required for this mission.”

“I am aware.” Tertiary’s fingers curl momentarily. “I do not anticipate that the biologicals will treat him with equality, so it is likely the maltreatment will dissuade any further fascination. However… I still suggest that we monitor his activity.”

Primary’s head tilts now. “I agree.”

iv.

Isaac walks into Primary’s office, his wrists posed picturesque in front of him.

“You sent for me, Primary?”

“I wished to see you before your departure,” Primary says.

“For what purpose?”

Primary takes his hand and posts it underneath Isaac’s chin, his fingers curving and curling over the metal of Isaac’s throat, gripping him hard. He studies Isaac with a malfunction of artificial desire, a sinister curiosity. Isaac lets out a high-pitched whir, but says nothing, simply sits there and takes it.

Finally, Primary retracts his hand. “I have decided… it is not your concern.”