Lt. Haukea-Willow: The Three Laws
Aly Drolet
((Sanctuary District - Virtual Lifescapes - Starbase 118))
Haukea, melting internally at the potential of further blood, may have been pushing Sasch to leave, providing herself with an easy out as well. Nevertheless, Corey, being significantly wounded to his abdomen, was the priority; Sasch turning to him, providing words of comfort.
Finally, the pair of women moving out, Haukea expecting it to never come, Corey was comfortable, laying on a biobed. And it was here, Corey, it seemed, was content to let their voices jumble, fading into the background. She only wished, believing intently, that in their absence, the EMH was, while not necessarily a significant source of comfort, at the least a guiding light towards healing.
Willow: This one’s on you Ross. Sasch and I are on lookout duty.
Ross opened his mouth as if he were going to say something, but no sound emanated.
Kreshkova: Use your communication device if you need us. I know mine vorks.
Sasch, reaching into her back pocket, pulled out a battered metallic chunk. If only to become technical, the cellular device Haukea had previously shoved into her hand was beyond practical or reasonable use. Haukea would only have to remind the Pilot, in desperation, that the cellular device she was originally handed was likely still intact.
A shake of the head, a shiver of the spine, the women exited, the holographic brunette woman accompanying them.
Willow: Thank you. I did not want to be there a minute longer. The thought of more blood… Anyway this isn’t about me, it’s about Corey.
Years in the future Haukea would reminisce on this moment, likely laughing at her appalling reaction, having overcome the initial urge to gag, if not vomit at the sight of blood. Nevertheless, in the present, the Risian had no words with which to describe the emotion, the sensation, the ‘fear’? Even so, it was clear by the expression on Sasch’s face that she at least, whether by experience or not, understood.
Kreshkova: Exactly. Ve need to get him …
Haukea hesitantly, though more likely cautiously, turned, facing the holographic woman. For a hologram, usually attempting to imitate life, had an emotionless, lifeless, expression. She remained pale, robotic. Likewise her father, Hōkū, having an infinity for Earth history, would often quote the ancient, if not fictional and applicable rules of robotics:
First Law: A robot cannot harm a human or allow a human to be harmed through inaction.
Second Law: A robot must obey human orders, unless those orders conflict with the First Law.
Third Law: A robot must protect its own existence, unless that protection conflicts with the First or Second Law.
It could be said, in the 25th century, that holograms, though unknowingly, by the programmer, had to obey such laws. By such standards their program was illegal. Nevertheless, Haukea, considering it wise, time not available, moved past her father’s affinity, passion, considering instead the actions necessary to prolong life in the present, to do her duty.
Willow: That upper story, does it have a decent view? We could use it as a lookout.
Kreshkova: It does. ::Sasch said cautiously:: It does. Ve can see bozh up and down zhe street, but zhe street is narrow, so it vill limit oru field of vision somevhat. It’s probably zhe best choice for vhat to do next.
Willow: Might as well. Don’t want to stray too far.
Kreshkova: It was zhis vay.
Despite the narrow field of view from their chosen vantage point, a glance at the street in any capacity was laudable. Sasch herself nodded in agreement, directing the pair towards a set of rickety wooden stairs. Ascending the treads, Haukea perceived a sense of unease, the mid-forties brunette, wavy hair, floating, ethereal, tread silent.
Kreshkova: Are you avare of anyzhing like zhis happening before?
Despite previous historical mishaps with holosuite technology, Haukea had never read, or experienced their exact scenario.
Willow: Naturally there have been glitches in holoprograms for centuries. But I’ve never experienced anything like this before. You?
Kreshkova: At zhe Academy someone tampered vizh one of our simulations vhich nearly caused a collision during training, so I know it can happen, but I am not avare of how often zomezhing like zhis happens.
Willow: Neither do I.
Reaching the third floor landing, an audible clatter could be heard from one of the upper story rooms. Sasch turned to Haukea, whispering.
Kreshkova: I don’t know if it’s in zhe same room, but zhat is zhe direction zhat I left my sweatshirt.
Willow: I want you to move behind me. Which room did you place your sweater in?
Kreshkova: Response
Willow: ::Reaching the indicated room:: I’m going to carefully turn the handle. Did you leave the window open?
Kreshkova: Response
Haukea certainly wished she had her phaser or other object with which to defend herself from an attacker.
Willow: If you know what’s best for you, you’ll move away from the door!
Kreshkova: Response
Entering the room.
Willow: Begone…. ::Pause:: Bird?
Kreshkova: Response
