Alex jumped slightly as Dr Elune tapped them on the shoulder, pausing the trial simulations of the new Mars Training, "Yes, doctor?"

"Just wanted to have a chat with you. It has been a while, after all." Sitting down at their desk nearby, the doctor grinned, "Also, to make a few... Observations."

Alex fidgeted nervously, turning their chair to face the doctor, "I'm always happy to assist. What will you be observing...?"

"Oh, your more human-like habits, for one. We both know full well you don't need to look at a computer screen to run sims."

Alex blushed, glancing back at the monitor, "It helps verify the user perspective, and it is a useful indicator as to what I am doing. I have been caught staring off into the sky now and then, and it can be awkward."

Nodding thoughtfully, the doctor agreed, "That is actually a pretty good idea. While you are able to split your attention, your more complex processing of your experiences makes doing things harder and harder for you."

Alex sighed, "I noticed that. Cutting the extra emotion and reasoning makes my operations feel weird to people though, so I am trying to find a good limiter."

Dr Elune smiled softly, "Most people have natural limits on that sort of thing, with automatic thresholds to prevent us from over-exerting. In my opinion, you are doing just fine." As Alex giggled with a smile in thanks, the doctor grinned, "Also, in terms of you acting more human... I have notice you have been a lot more cuddly towards 'Miss Jolana'."

Alex blushed deeply at that one, "... Oh. I, uh... I guess I have. I gues I just... Went with it."

"Not all of the time. I have seen you take the initiative there, too." Grin growing wider, the doctor leant forwards, "And since you don't have any instincts telling you to do those things... I am veeery curious as to why."

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"... Observation?" Alex smiled faintly, "People seem to enjoy that kind of thing, so I thought I would try it a little, since I have this body and all... Turns out, it is rather nice. Its... Hard to sum up."

The doctor nodded, "It took you a while, but you have come to fully learn what feels 'pleasant' and 'unpleasant' for you. Warm or cold, course or smooth, that sort of thing. And, in general... People like hugs."

Both of them laughed, Alex brightening up a bit, "I guess so. I will try and be polite about it, though... Not all people will want spontanious affection."

Chuckling, the doctor nodded again, "Good, you seem to have the hang of interacting with people at least. Anything about your new abilities still confuse you?"

Alex tilted their head slightly, shrugging, "A few. I like the rush from exercise, having company is nice, I can apreciate good food, etcetera... I understand why people do things a lot more now."

"You said a few, what's still weird to you?"

Blushing, Alex sighed, "Well, what I glimpsed from you, from one. Like when you used to visit Akasha..."

Grinning slowly, the doctor hummed, "Ahhh... Right. Hey, I can understand being confused by that... But are you confused by all of it, or just our... Version?"

Squirming in their seat, Alex looked around, "Uhm, well... More your version, as you put it. Intellectually, I have a basic knowledge on why... Even if I have no interest there yet."

The doctor blinked in surprise, "None? None at all? I have seen you blush at Jolana though."

"That is... Different. My reaction is more to the affection she feels, not... Ideas."

"Hmm, fair enough. I can understand that." Smirking, the doctor glanced at them, "Just keep in mind, Jolana might have other plans. This will be something you two need to talk about."

As Alex nodded with a groan, deliberately not making eye contact, the doctor giggled, "And as for Akasha? Well, I doubt you will have to think about that sort of thing. Even among us eccentrics, it isn't that common."

"... I will keep that in mind." Taking a deep breath, Alex glanced back at the monitor, turning it off for now, "Was there anything else, doctor?"

"... Not for now, unless you want to talk about some of your little projects?"

alex grinned happily, "I do have a few to show you, if you have the time..."