[Part of the More Important Things ‘verse]
Instinctive or intuitive feeling as distinguished from reasoning or knowledge
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The first time Kay hears the word emotion in his new life, it doesn’t come from Cassian. Although to be fair, he’s barely known the boy for twelve hours and at the moment, the organic is engaged in a heated argument with a man Kay understands is his superior.
Kay is standing off to the side, near a woman in white robes who arrived with Cassian’s superior. She’s the only organic in the room besides Cassian who doesn’t seem to be afraid of him– she doesn’t jump away every time he moves, remains relaxed even standing next to him.
Kay has some questions about his organic’s argument, and he decides he is 74% more likely to receive an answer from her than from anyone else. “Excuse me,” he says to begin, so she is not startled.
But she merely turns her head and regards him calmly, as if he were just another sentient. “Yes?”
“I do not understand this argument.”
“What don’t you understand about it?”
“Private Andor is being illogical.”
The woman seems amused. “Yes, it would appear so.”
“It would not appear. It is a fact. He has suffered a compound fracture in his left tibia. The chances of re-injury rise by 97% should he be allowed to leave the medbay.”
“You’re probably right.”
“Not probably. I am. Is Private Andor aware of these facts?”
“I believe so.”
Why can’t organics ever say a clear yes or no? “Then he is not behaving in a logical manner.”
“No, he is not.”
Kay waits, but the woman does not elaborate. “I do not understand.”
“He is frustrated and angry,” the woman says. “Are you familiar with those emotions?”
“I am not familiar with any emotions. I am a droid.”
“I see. Well, perhaps there’s a file you can download on organic emotions. Cassian puts up a decent front, but I’m sure it will be useful to you.” Then the argument seems to be over, and the woman leaves with Cassian’s superior.
Cassian is still on the bed, arms crossed and staring at the sheets. If the woman is to be believed, he is looking ‘angry.’ But Kay would prefer to think his organic is more logical than that. He must be an individual of higher intellect if he reprogrammed Kay the day before while they were trapped beneath a collapsed building.
He approaches Cassian’s bed. “Are you aware your tibia is broken?” Cassian doesn’t answer right away, and Kay decides to clarify. “That is the anterior bone in the lower leg.”
“I know.”
Kay does not understand Cassian’s tone, and decides the woman is right– perhaps a file on organic emotions would be useful. He makes a note to acquire one at his earliest convenience. But for now, he will simply inform Cassian of his error. “Your desire to abandon the care of medical professionals at this time is illogical.”
“I’m fine,” Cassian says, in the same tone as before.
Kay’s system momentarily stalls at the conflicting information. Perhaps Cassian is confused. “Are you aware your tibia is broken?”
Instead of answering, Cassian turns away and pulls the blanket over his head.
Kay decides his organic must be tired.
Emotion (n.)
Rebellions are built on hope 