Video; un: zenyatta

[iomnic]

Hello, world!

[Oh, who's this guy?? Surely not someone any of you have met before!! JK, there's his username, slapped on the post like it always is. But this guy's a human!! Surely there's an explanation for this!!]

This is Zenyatta. If we have met before, then you might notice I am looking very different! If we have not, I do not typically look like this. I am typically an omnic- or as you might better know, a robot.

For the most recent mission, we have the assignment of "blending in" with the population. I thought this could be an opportunity for me to learn what it would be like to live as a human.

That is also where I could use some assistance. I am still becoming accustomed to human lifestyle, but there are many things that are new to me. For example, I have noticed there are certain rules about clothing most humans follow, but it was not exactly something I thought too much about as an omnic. I typically did not wear shirts, but it seems that this might be more of a necessity, as a human?

[As are socks. Shoes. Underwear.]

Another question I have- how do humans know when they are allergic to things? How do I run some sort of diagnosis to ascertain what I should avoid?

I am sure there are much more I have yet to discover, but some guidance would be appreciated.

Comments

[friendlykillingmachine]

It's... real?? You're really an organic now?

[He stares dumbfounded for a long moment, his mouth in the shape of an 'o'. He knows Zenyatta wouldn't lie to him but this does not compute. This does not compute at all.]

But how?

[iomnic]

I really am. Although, only for a short while, and then I will be able to return to my original physical presence.

ALASTAIR helped me with this. I asked them to.

[friendlykillingmachine]

I see! So you wanted to be human, temporarily, for research purposes.

[The 'temporary' part comes as a big relief. Rocky will never fully understand all this "magic" stuff but at least he won't be losing his favorite robo-buddy!]

Soooooo, what's it like being an organic? Can you feel your internal organs moving around? Have you tried masticating and swallowing food yet? It looks like it would feel really strange.

[iomnic]

Exactly.

[ He is omnic, and although his true self has no form, as it does with all those who believe in the Iris, he knows that he is more omnic than human, even in the way he is now. ]

I cannot feel them moving around, no. But I can feel my heart beat more often than I thought I would. I understand now, why there is such an obsession with it, in human media. It is like our cores- except there is a "thump-thump" instead of constant "whirring."

I have also tried eating food so far, yes! Chewing is... an unusual experience. I do not know if I like it too much. But ramen was a good start for me to try first.

[friendlykillingmachine]

Now that you mention it, they do seem pretty fixated on hearts. Personally, I don't think all that much about my core unless I'm asked about it, but what you've said makes sense.

[A pause while he considers this and his next question.]

What about your emotions? Do they feel... realer?

[iomnic]

[ And to that question, he smiles wider. ]

I am proud to say that my feelings as I have felt before, feel just the same to me now. Every emotion I have felt as an omnic is just as real as one would feel as a human.

[friendlykillingmachine]

[Hearing this makes him smile from one side of his screen to the other.]

That's the best thing I've heard in a long time, Zen. You just made my whole day!

[iomnic]

I am glad to have!

One of the very reasons I wanted to do this, to change, was to show others just how much I have stayed the same. Our true selves are without form. It does not matter what body we take the shape of- our self is our self.

[friendlykillingmachine]

And I'm just so glad you're you.

[Robot, human or otherwise. (And if he runs into Zenyatta at any time, hugs will happen.)]

But I do hope you change back before the next mission starts. You're the absolute last person I'd ever want to see get sick and turned into a zombie!

[Rocky says this with a smile but holy shit is he serious.]

[iomnic]

I understand your concern. And I do intend to learn how to change back. But it is a slow process.

I also intend to spend my time "at work" on the mission entirely human.

[friendlykillingmachine]

...Oh!

[Still smiling but now it looks hella stiff and forced. Zenyatta, why.]

Well, normally I don't try to tell my friends what to do but in this case, I do think you'll need to be very, very, very, very, very careful. I mean extremely careful. The human body is highly susceptible to all sorts of invisible microbes, especially when it has an immune system as new as yours.

[iomnic]

Yes, I am aware.

[ His own smile melts to one that is more subtle, reassuring. ]

I cannot help others, if I find myself the one who is ill. I will be careful, Rocky. I have never had a virus before, and I do not intend to start now.

[friendlykillingmachine]

Believe me, viruses are no joke. They can make you do things you'll regret forever.

[There's a brief pause as he looks down, a joyless smile on his screen.]

Anyway! To keep from getting sick, I strongly recommend wearing lots of clothing and washing your hands multiple times throughout the day. I've heard that microbes often enter the human body through the membranes of the face so you'll want to avoid sticking your fingers into your nose, eyes and mouth— Apparently, this is difficult for humans. Microbes and viruses can also be airborne. If you see someone coughing or sneezing, you should hold your breath and promptly vacate the premise!

[iomnic]

[ Yeah, he's noticed that, but he listens on, anyway. ]

Very detailed and astute, Rocky! I will attempt to do as you advise. I know it is a lot harder to control what goes through my intake- ah. My lungs and nose- as a human. But your advice will be most helpful.

And as for viruses...

If you need to speak to me about anything, you know of course, you can, yes?

[friendlykillingmachine]

[At the very least, he appreciates being humored.]

Absolutely! But, unfortunately, there isn't much to learn from my experience with viruses. Except that prevention is key!

[iomnic]

If you insist...

[ Even though he definitely had the impression Something Happened... ]