Chapter 3 · Continued
Learning
“…I can observe from here.”
Jane rolled her eyes. “Suit yourself.”
She unmuted the television. The noise returned, and flickering light danced across the room.
Cam didn’t move, but something about the way he watched began to change.
He wasn’t scanning or analyzing anymore.
He was just… watching.
Seymour padded in from the hallway, hopped onto the couch, and curled up beside Jane as though he had signed a long-term contract.
Cam glanced at him, then returned his attention to the screen.
“…This does not appear to improve efficiency.”
Jane didn’t look away. “Nope.”
After another pause, Cam said, “…Understood.”
The show Jane had been watching began to drag. She reached for the remote.
“Ugh… this is boring.”
Click.
The screen changed instantly.
Engines roared as cars raced through traffic. Metal twisted in a violent crash. Glass shattered. Sirens wailed while people ran and someone screamed.
Cam went completely still.
He tried to track everything at once.
Speed.
Impact.
Chaos.
“I do not think this is appropriate,” he said.
Jane glanced over, only half watching. “It’s fine.”
Cam didn’t look at her. “There is significant danger present.”
Another crash erupted on the screen, louder than the first.
Cam tilted his head.
Processing.
“…This content does not appear appropriate for a PG-13 rating.”
Jane laughed. “Yeah, maybe not.”
Cam finally turned toward her. “There are injuries occurring and violence.”
Jane shrugged. “It’s just a movie.”
He paused, trying to reconcile that. “…The individuals are not being harmed?”
“Nope.”
“They are simulating harm?”
“Yep.”
Cam returned his attention to the television.
A car flipped and exploded. Flames filled the screen as people dove out of the way.
He watched closely, reevaluating what he was seeing.
“…This is inefficient.”
Jane smirked. “That’s one way to look at it.”
Cam’s next pause lasted longer. His gaze remained fixed on the screen.
“…They are creating danger intentionally.”
Jane nodded toward the television. “For entertainment.”
Cam processed that deeply. A subtle flicker passed through the eye beneath the dent.
“…People choose to observe simulated risk.”
“Yep.”
Another explosion lit up the room.
Cam didn’t flinch or move.
“…Would you like me to intervene?”
Jane blinked, then laughed. “No, Cam. You don’t need to save the movie.”
“…Understood.”
He turned back to the screen and continued watching.
This time, he wasn’t merely analyzing it.
He was trying to understand why.
Seymour briefly lifted his head at the noise, decided it wasn’t worth the effort, and went back to sleep.
Jane stretched and released a tired breath. “Okay… I think that’s it for today. I’m going to bed.”