[Dr. Cole Ormont]

“Indeed. And there is always the option to expand the scope as you progress. Time is on your side, after all.”

[R4OXY]

*That is true. I had not considered it in that light.* The droid pauses.

*Does it bother you to know that you will eventually decay?*

[Dr. Cole Ormont]

“You’re asking the wrong person. Then again, maybe there is no ‘right’ person for that question. Sentients range the gamut from actively seeking death to desperately avoiding it at all cost. If it is just an opinion you want, no, I am not bothered by the knowledge that I will—
(hopefully soon)
die.”

[R4OXY]

*Why are you the wrong person to ask this question? You must see death and loss constantly. You would seem the optimal person.*

[Dr. Cole Ormont]

“There have been patients I could not save, but I wasn’t in any position at the time to ask them how they felt about it.”

[R4OXY]

The droid paused. *I comprehend. But why are you not phased by the idea of your own death? Has being a doctor changed your thoughts on this matter?*

[Dr. Cole Ormont]

Cole sucked his teeth for a long moment, formulating his reply, “I hypothesise that the degree of acceptance is based on two things: the depth of attachment to the individual’s existence, and the strength of belief regarding what happens after death.”

“In the first part, the more importance an individual places on their achievements, belongings, relationships, or self, the more difficult the idea of relinquishing these things become. Death becomes a deadline,” pun not intended, “at which all the things that matter to the individual are taken away.”

“In the second part,” Cole ran a hand through his hair and adjusted his spectacles, “fear of the unknown is a basic survival instinct. A healthy degree of caution about the unfamiliar keeps organics from rushing headlong into danger. Death is one of the greatest unknowns in the galaxy, and the one that still engenders the most fear in many sentients. I was taught that we each become one with the Force when we die, but the exact nature of this oneness was never explained to me. There are countless different beliefs on the matter.”

[R4OXY]

*So if you do not have a fear of death, does this follow that you are either not attached to your existence or to anything that matters within your life? Or that you have no fear of the unkown?*

[Dr. Cole Ormont]

“I am not without trepidation about what will become of me and all I’ve done,” he admitted, “but I have less to be attached to than most.”

[R4OXY]

The droid moves ze's optic port to look at him closely. *Why?*

[Dr. Cole Ormont]

“Some people cling to possessions or accomplishments, and most sentients have family and loved one they do not desire to be separated from. As I have none of these things, I cannot be attached to them.” Cole’s tone was frank and without self-pity.

[R4OXY]

The droid looks closely at the doctor. *You are like me then. Adrift.*

[Dr. Cole Ormont]

“Apparently,” he looked curiously at the droid. He didn’t think droids had any particular need for attachment, but the use of the word ‘adrift’ was a seemingly odd choice.

[R4OXY]

*But if organics require touch, then how do you function being alone?*

[Dr. Cole Ormont]

“There are ways to engage in physical contact without emotional connection.”

[R4OXY]

The droid boops inquiringly. *And these methods are sufficient for the biological imperatives organics possess?*

[Dr. Cole Ormont]

Sighing softly, “no, but sentients make do, if their circumstances won’t permit the formation of emotional bonds.”

[R4OXY]

*I fear I am going to have to make a whole server dedicated to these complexities at this rate. What is the purpose of emotional bonds then, if they can be done without? It seems that emotions can be difficult things for organics. Would they not wish to do without? Or is there some benefit?*

[Dr. Cole Ormont]

Cole’s expression was uncomfortable, “sentients need emotional bonds but, like vitamin D, we can live adequate lives without it. It’s a less satisfying existence, but avoids other ...complications.” Cole ran a hand through his hair, ruffling the curls and rubbing the back of his neck.

[R4OXY]

The droid becomes even more puzzled. *But if it is needed, that means it is not optional. Needs are not optional. Wants are optional. So how can one need and yet function?*

[Dr. Cole Ormont]

Cocking his head to one side, “do you use a mechanical lubricant for your moving parts?”

[R4OXY]

The droid bobs ze's chassis. *Of course. It is required for optimal performance. Otherwise, I might require extensive maintenance.*

[Dr. Cole Ormont]

“Sentients are similar. Without proper emotional bonds, the moving parts of their minds can cease to function properly, or even become—
(like me)
damaged. But unlike a droid, an organic can’t just replace parts of their brain that are maladaptive.”

[R4OXY]

The droid gave an odd beep, untranslatable. *Could maintenance not be done?*

[Dr. Cole Ormont]

“As we discussed before, there isn’t a simple analog for sentient physiology.”