The problem with creating an inherently intelligent and inquisitive creature is that said creature tends to do exactly what they are created for. Cases in point: reflective surfaces. – Jonas Lamont, Professor Emeritus, Construct Psychology, Academy of Technology

To: Doctor L. K. Anderson
From: Antonio Deprazzi
Subject: New wall, Sector 7B | M-series
Doctor Anderson,
We need to address the issue of the new wall recently erected in Sector 7B. This corridor is a major thoroughfare for M-series constructs. We utilize it twice daily when taking them to feed. This wall was completed Tuesday morning and they have been standing there staring at themselves since then. We have tried everything to make them budge. They’re fascinated with their own reflections! We are beginning to wonder if they are fully self-aware. They not only react to their reflection but also dance and pull faces. We think they are actually laughing. Further, they are pointing to other construct’s reflections . This wouldn’t be bothersome except that they then stand behind that other construct and arrange their ears into funny positions until the forward construct croons. This has got to stop. I refuse to have narcissistic autonomous biologicals in my department.

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To: Antonio Deprazzi
From: L.K. Anderson
Subject: New wall, Sector 7B | M-series Termination
Mr. Deprazzi,
There is nothing to address. That wall cost a considerable amount of money. I highly doubt the M-series is capable of sapience ergo they are unable to manifest symptoms of narcissism. They are merely defective. Dr. Trilb has completed his work on the N-series and we will produce them in a few weeks. All M-series are scheduled for deconstruction. Your problem will be solved.

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To: Doctor L. K. Anderson
From: Antonio Deprazzi
Subject: New wall, Sector 7B | N-series termination
Doctor Anderson,
I am at wit’s end. The new N-series is far worse than the M. Not only do they recognize their reflections but they stand directly in front of the reflective surface and use spit to draw hair/feathers on their reflection and then take turns positioning themselves so as to see that altered reflective image. They are defiantly laughing at our attempts to curb their behavior, Doctor! I have put up with this latest series for several months. When can I expect the O-series?[

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To: Antonio Deprazzi
From: L.K. Anderson
Subject: New wall, Sector 7B | N-series termination
Mr. Deprazzi,
There will not be an O-series any time soon. Dr. Trilb died last week. Make do with what you have.

How often do we forget that our constructs are unique individuals? We have studied their daily personal reports in an effort to better understand the life forms we created. They tend to throw a wrench into the works when least expected. – Jonas Lamont, Professor Emeritus, Construct Psychology, Academy of Technology

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[box]A funny little ambassador came round this morning. He was gnomish, or perhaps just naturally unattractive in a physical sense. He sat down in the parlor as if he owned the place, propping his feet up on the fireplace fender. I explained that my ambassador was in a meeting but this odd creature didn’t budge, insisting that he would wait for Lord Sage.

I brought him tea and some fresh scones. He practically emptied the marmalade jar; there were crumbs dusting his chest and lap (and the carpet around him). He stared at me, a rather uncomfortable experience for me, and then said, “What are you and what do you do?”
I explained the purpose of my design to him. I told him of my creation, my status, my duties and my obligations to Lord Sage. He listened, asking occasionally rude questions. (I’m accustomed to those.) Then he held up his hand to signal that I should be quiet, and after a moment or two of silence between us he said, “You sure are an ugly thing. Do they drug your males when they breed you or do they put a paper bag over your head instead?”

I have gained a lot of self-confidence since arriving at the embassy. It has taken several months but I’m a much different construct than when I first arrived. I handle myself well at banquets and business meetings, confident in my abilities to interact with individuals as a professional. Indeed, the ambassador no longer refers to me as “fiddle head” or “the Lizard”, so pleased is he at my change. More importantly, I’m no longer “Neste the twitching and afraid”; I am Neste Trilb, a proud and intelligent female worthy of my position as an ambassadorial aid and confidant, and someone who can be relied upon to arrange embassy programs, to promote our quest for knowledge and to initiate trade talks with foreign diplomats. I was completely unprepared, however, for this horrid man’s assessment of me.

I walked away. It wasn’t a hysterical dash through the door with tears streaming out of my eyes. I simply held my head high and headed to the kitchens. I told the cook that I was going out to find mushrooms for supper, and I went down the garden path to the pond. Once there, I found a nice rock surrounded by wildflowers in bloom, and brushed away a fuzzy caterpillar so I could sit. Then I bowed my head and sobbed uncontrollably.

Constructs are not permitted to have personal lives. We only leave service if someone falls in love with us and vouches before the Governors that they intend to take us as a wife. It’s a very rare occurrence because, truth be told, our primary form is ugly. We’re humanoid and reptilian at the same time, bald but with two horns. We’ve been compared to anthrosaurs on several occasions although we are completely mammalian. We are capable of morphing our form into any species we come in contact with, however; sampling their DNA allows us to reconstruct their genome internally. I can become anything… a sapient Lizard, a Dragon, a Goat, a Human. Anything. It is our utmost expression of love that our final metamorphosis takes on the form of the person we fall in love with. This is why our intended groom must petition the Academy and declare his intent to marry us. We are designed to be the epitome of beauty for whatever form we take.

It is every construct’s secret dream to one day find a soul mate to share life with. We desire to be mothers and raise our own offspring. We want to share our living space with someone, even if they are often away on campaigns or at war. We want to nest. We are forever faithful to the one we love. We are romantic at heart. It is our belief that we should never look for love but rather we should allow love to discover us.

It would be erroneous to state that I’ve never fallen in love with someone. I have, long ago, although it was not reciprocated. Still, he was a beautiful soul and I treasured every moment spent with him. His name was Marcus and he would spend hours telling me stories of his escapades in the local spice markets, or laughing over my misunderstandings of his military career. In the end, he returned to his own life. I don’t think I will ever be able to love anyone else but him. I’m afraid to try.

I had always assumed that he didn’t see me as desirable because I was from a foreign country and not outwardly a mammal. It had never, ever occurred to me that he couldn’t see past my unpleasant looks. I felt ashamed at making him endure my appearance, and embarrassed that I may have insulted his sensibility.

I sat on that rock a long time today. I didn’t seek shelter when it began to drizzle nor did I make any effort to dry myself when the clouds departed. The caterpillar returned shortly after the lunch hour and I let him trundle across the rock and over my toes unmolested.

The cruel ambassador had departed by the time I returned home. The cook chastised me for failing to bring mushrooms but I was too emotionally spent to react to his scolding.

Evenings are usually my down time and most nights find me flopped in a chaise lounge in the back garden – I count the stars and rename the constellations, or I imagine a life lived with a partner far away from my home country, wrapped in my mate’s arms as we meditate upon the night sky together. The garden didn’t call to me tonight. The stars were cold and distant and offered no reprieve from my pain. I updated this log instead, and will go to bed soon because I have duties tomorrow.

To: Francis D. Tormet, Ministre Plénipotentiaire, Corps Diplomatique
From: Edward Muccelio, Professor Emeritus, Construct Physiology, Academy of Science
Regarding: Higher Construct adaptivity to space travel and warp; N-series

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Frank,

Are you seriously asking me about space travel outside of stasis? I don’t understand why this information is so critical that it can’t wait until morning. Regardless, my assessment is as follows:

The N-series of higher construct is designed to perform in a wide variety of environments, to include in a vacuum. Decompression sickness and ebullism do not affect them. Eardrums are naturally protected. They can go a while without breathing. It takes a great amount of force to shatter bones or damage organs when compared to a human, and they endure impacts rather nicely.

'Spacing' them would subject them to cold, and that would kill them in short order. Do not ‘space’ our N-series, Frank. They aren’t designed for it.

As for their behavior in zero gravity? We’ve tested them extensively. They don’t react well to perceived heights and will cling to anything they believe to be secure. When deprived of something to hold on to, the N-series formed a small mass of bodies that suspended itself in the middle of the test area.

Close quarters living is difficult because of the increased likelihood of physical contact. My concern is as follows:

Their “talents” work wonderfully when used on diplomatic missions however (and I am growing wearing of reminding the ministry of this fact) they expend a large quantity of energy when shielding themselves from others during social gatherings. Physical touch can be painful for them unless in a controlled setting. Again, this is not exactly conducive in close quarters living. Do not use our N-series as spies, Frank. They are required to inform other species of their capabilities and will do so.

Finally, I need to touch upon their physical needs.

You must maintain their carpules. These essential nutrients supply energy as well as prevent molecular decay. They are able to function twenty-four hours without the need for a carpule but only when in a state of complete rest. They are typically supplied carpules every twelve hours.

You must also provide them with something to sleep in. Open bay quarters will not work.

Contact me if you have any further questions,

Ed