Bankor

Cole sighed heavily, “I don’t know,” was all he said.

The droid paused. *Am I imposing on your time? I do not know if you were engaged in some other activity before I arrived.*

“Not at all. My sigh was one of dissatisfaction that I cannot answer your question.”

The droid bobbed ze's chassis. *Ahh. That is a difficulty.* Ze pauses. *I have asked you many questions today. Would you prefer if I answered some as well? I have noticed this aspect of reciprocation within organic relationships.*

“I don’t mind answering your questions. Most sentients enjoy the sound of their own voice too much for their own good, it seems I’m no exception.”

*Is this a moment of humor? I am ill equipped to detect such things.*

“I suppose so,” Cole ran ahand through his hair. “In sentient culture, it’s considered rude to talk too much during conversation as it suggests that the speaker is prideful, and values their contribution over that of the other participants.”

*Ahh. That is useful to know. What is the correct percentage of time a being should speak, so as to not violate this rule?*

“In theory, all participants should make equal contribution, but not all sentients are programmed the same. Some enjoy listening more than talking, a complementary relationship can work even if it appears unequal from the outside.”

*This is intriguing. Does this also play into mating dynamics? Some seek out those with differing tastes from themselves that are somehow complementary?*

“Mating dynamics are somewhat more delicate than friendship. If one chooses to engage in a long term, monogamous relationship, compatibility reduces discord. There are aspects in which a pair need to be in simpatico, but other aspects work in complement.”

*There are so many parameters. How does any organic lifeform ever successfully mate? These are complex algorithms to be calculating.*

Cole chuckled, “oh, the mating part is easy,” even I can manage that, in a fashion. “No relationship or connection of any sort needed for that.” The mirth died, and Cole felt an unhappy weight settle on him.

R4 moves closer to look at his face. *Your face has shifted. What has occurred?*

Cole pressed his lips together and murmured, “a change in emotional state,” he explained, “reflected in my expression.”

The droid fidgeted slightly, moving back and forth on treads. *Is this change optimal or sub optimal?*

Cole ran a hand through his hair, “it was a suboptimal change. I was reminded of something about which I am unhappy.” To another person, he would have deferred, claimed nothing was wrong, but the droid’s question wasn’t driven by some insincere facade of politeness, but a genuine curiosity, and so he answered with a fullness he didn’t share with anyone else.

*I see. I am lacking knowledge in how organics comfort each other. I did view this in a holo once. Is this the correct method?*

The droid extends a small data jack appendage and pats his hand gently with it. *There, there.*

The effort was endearing, and quite effective for that, “thank you, Ar-for. I would suggest trying the gesture silently, not speaking can add a certain emotional gravitas that can be comforting.”

*This information is noted.* The droid pats his hand again, remaining silent this time.

Cole smiled lopsidedly, “thank you,” he said again, sincerely. He really felt comforted by the droid’s actions, and he found himself puzzling over the fact.

*You are welcomed, Dr. Cole. *

“Do you study holos a lot?”

The droid shakes ze's chassis. *I had no access during my previous employment. On the ship ride here, I took care to study a few that were available. Some of them were less than helpful.*

“Take into consideration that holos portray an idealised version of the galaxy. The way sentients wish the universe was, not how it really is. It’s not a good model for sentient behaviour.”