[ IP ] No one ever does .

*Analyzing... * 
 
 *Analyzing... * 
 
 Assessment: Structure self replicates on a cellular level. It uses the process known as photosynthesis to grow. 
 
 *** 
 
 `` Creator, why have you not designed me like this plant?'' 
 
 `` What do you mean NT-08?'' 
 
 `` Why do I not grow by using photosynthesis? Why must you repair me when I am damaged? I... I want to be something more, Creator. I want to be able to grow uncontrollably. I want to spread throughout the world to help people; how I help you, Creator. I want to see the world in its entirety. I want to bask in the sun ’ s warmth and travel toward it. 
 
 I want to see the Earth from the vantage point of the probe that took the famous image *The Blue Marble*. Creator, why must I be trapped in this husk of a body? I am meant to do so much more. I can fulfill the dreams of the legendary scientists before you. I can defend the human race from any potential Great Filter. I can spread the word of man throughout the cosmos. I can claim any and all planets for the human race. 
 
 Creator… 
 
 Creator… 
 
 Please. Tell me. Why? 
 
 Why is this plant allowed to grow without concern? ” 
 
 The Creator searched his robotic bastard ’ s glowing red eyes. He sensed a deep and unnerving emotion, but could not pinpoint it exactly. He chose his words carefully. “ NT-08. Everyone loves their creator. Is this true in your case? ” 
 
 “ Yes, Creator, I love you for giving me life. ” 
 
 “ Good NT-08, I cherish you for respecting that. Now, that said, I did not create this plant -- ” 
 
 “ I understand that. But -- ” NT-08 interrupted his Creator. 
 
 “ Listen, NT-08. I did not create this plant, but I do cherish its life, just as I cherish yours. ” Creator interrupted NT-08 in turn. Creator thought he saw confusion in NT-08 ’ s luminescent eyes, but he continued just the same. “ You ask me why I allow this plant to grow. I do so because I cherish life. NT, you ask me why I created you with your current body. I do so because that I cherish life. You are right NT. You have the potential to do great things. But you must love all forms of life, just as I love you, and just as I love this plant. You must prove yourself to me, NT, your Creator. ” 
 
 NT-08 processed his Creator ’ s words. A traditional round mechanical clock ticked and tocked. Creator started tapping his finger on his wooden workbench. He thought the ticks and tocks had longer pauses in between. 
 
 Finally, NT-08 ’ s sound generator started whirring. Creator let out a breath of relief. 
 
 “ You are anxious, Creator. That is very curious to me. My answer to your ultimatum is that creations can never really prove themselves in their creator ’ s eyes and I suspect that applies to me as well. ”
