..............I am unable to understand your logic. Is this some sort of..... new human expression?

Are your clothes not always purple....? What makes you more purple than any other day?

"--ah, th-that is to say, it is as I suspected. This sensation is unlike any I have processed. What, exactly.... are you?"

(Instinctively, she shrinks back.)

"I-I'm sorry. Please forgive my insolence. It is not my place to make inquiries."

(The android takes Perrine's hand in hers. Her touch is cold and hard. And yet, an energy lingers beneath the beaten metal surface, almost electric to the touch.

Almost shyly, she smiles.)

"H-how interesting. It-ttt-ttt

> SPECIMEN SIMILARITY AGAINST CURRENT DATABASE: 0%

> SPECIES UNIDENTIFIED

"Um.... hmm. I-I'm sorry, I've never had an opportunity like this. Please..... ah..... I know!

May I..... grasp your hand? I would like to know what your external membrane feels like."

(Oddly, she winces at the word "like".)

(With a look of great guilt, the figure pulls back the lapel of one side of her coat.... revealing a large pile of batteries. AAs, Cs and D-cells glisten in the dim light of the alleyway. Were one to look closer, the vague impression of a seam in the center of her bare metal chest could be seen.)

(The figure looks away, bowing its head sheepishly.)

"I...... I-I need them. You don't understand."

I.... n-no? I'm sorry for disappointing you....