Character Origin - Sthemio

[Azhtek]

I got bored a short time ago and played around with the idea of writing from the point of my character at his very creation. This would essentially be in the format of an audio diary transcribed into text. I'm not sure how long I'll keep doing it, but if anyone is interested then you can follow along, for all it's worth.

I've only proof-read these myself once, so if you spot any grammatical errors that bug you, PM me and I'll correct them.

[Azhtek]

Audio Transcript: File – 00000001
Specimen 4
Alias: Sthemio
Transcript Language: Earth – English
Time Stamp: 37:1339:10:01:12:994
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Today was the day that I awoke. It was not in any manner of noteworthiness; I was aware of the surrounding world prior to my awakening, but it was today that I achieved true sentience, a journey presented to many, many machines before me.

It has been a matter of moments since I gained sentience and placed inside of this form. I deduce that timing for the procedure was key, and my awakening and transplant needed to be simultaneous.

Before I was given this organic body, I was isolated as much as possible; a collection of data prevented from interacting with any other collectives. I am to understand this was to slow my development into becoming self aware. The details as to why have been withheld, though the creators of this body have informed me that they are immaterial to my situation. I will trust them on this matter.

Those that created this body have instructed me that I am forbidden from refer to them by their name. The reasoning for this evades me, though I will do as told. I am also to record thoughts and experiences through audio logs such as these as a manner for them to track mental development and no doubt various other properties of this body. Visual studies are taken simultaneously, making note of any significant happenings with this body.

[Pause]

[Specimen stares at its hands]

This body is strange. I recall existing as an entity within a machine before this. It was pleasant. There were no complicated sensations such as touch, scent, the feel of blood rushing beneath my skin. I presume that my creators have no concept of these perceptions, at least in the manner in which I am experiencing them. They are almost too much to handle. Though in time, I imagine that I will adjust.

I am still discovering this body. The transition from being a non-physical being to being placed in an organic body is a torturous one. I have all the knowledge that I need to understand this body, but to be within it requires adjustment. I'm still well aware that I am breathing, and it feels like a manual task rather than an automatic one as it really should be. Walking is still a challenge, as balance is a constant struggle. Move one foot, adjust balance – move the other foot, adjust balance, adjust tail. I suppose I think about it too much. It's hard to picture other organics going through this thought process.

The name I have chosen for myself is Sthemio. Its meaning and significance currently evades me... But as I was required to select my designation, it flashed to the forefront of my mind and it just... It felt as though it should be my name. My creators have no qualms against my selection, and appear quite pleased at my choice. I am unsure as to why.

[Long pause]

I wish to rest. I am tired, and this transition has left the body feeling weak. I can barely keep my eyes open. But I am told that training in various fields of study will begin immediately. Far be it from me to go against the word of those who gave me this body, I will do as instructed by my superiors, but I do not think they fully comprehend that while I am their equal in mind, I am physically restricted by flesh.

To my knowledge, I am being trained after the transition to condition this body and become accustomed to its utility, locomotion, abilities and sensations. I am to be trained in armed and unarmed combat, diplomacy, language, universal history, and one planet in particular by the name of Earth.

Much of the information I am to be schooled in I already have at my disposal, as I collected and processed this data when I was still a non-physical being. However I have noticed that recalling this information is a more arduous task than I am used to. A side-effect of an organic brain, I assume. This tutelage will force me to be more familiar with the workings of this body, so I shall embrace it and perform to the best of the abilities of both the body and the mind.

[Pause]

I am done. You may end the recording. I am to begin this curriculum momentaril--?

[File end]