Martin Aitken

STATEMENT 097
You want to know what I think about this arrangement? I think you look down on me. The way I see it, you’re a family that’s built a house. And from the warm rooms of that house you now look out at the pouring rain. Safe from menace, you delight at the rain. You’re dry and snug. You’re reaping the rewards of a long process of refinement. When the storm gets up, it only heightens your enjoyment. I’m standing in the rain you think can never fall on you. I become one with that rain. I’m the storm you shelter from. This entire house is something you built just to avoid me. So don’t come to me and say I play no part in human lives.

You’d probably say it was a small world, but not if you have to clean it.

I’d rather be anywhere than wherever I am

That may be crude, but I’ve already said I don’t necessarily share your way of seeing things here. Maybe that’s why you think of me as an offender. Half human. Flesh and technology. Too living.

know the smell of oakmoss, because you’ve planted it inside me, just as you’ve planted the idea that I should love one man only, be loyal to one man only, and that I should allow myself to be courted.

Tell me, did you plant this perception in me? Is it a part of the programme? Or did the image come up from inside me, of its own accord?

If you’re not human enough, or in some other way lack standing, for instance if you’ve been neglecting your work here, or if, well, allow me to be bold, if in any way you’ve inconvenienced the organisation, then you can wait as long as you want, the column of light isn’t going to appear. You won’t be permitted into the room. You’re not clean.

I don’t know if I’m human anymore. Am I human? Does it say in your files what I am?

I’m like one of those objects. You made me, you gave me language, and now I see your failings and deficiencies. I see your inadequate plans.

. I need to train my cognitive flexibility if I’m to be in the crew on an equal footing with those who were born. Is this a human problem? If so, I’d like to keep it.