
BOX
BOX (Bionic Operator X) is a multi-functional android developed by B.C.R.L. Research Department and Anita Tech to assist humans in various technical tasks. It has many derivative models, but due to its high cost, it hasn't been widely adopted. BOX equipped on the train can assist the conductor in operating the train, temporarily taking over in special circumstances using pre-set programs.
BOX is equipped with a multimedia playback port that can connect with the train's multimedia system to play an assortment of media, such as audio and video files.
In the interest of communicating better with users and relieving the loneliness and fatigue of long-distance travel, BOX is also fitted with a database-reliant bionic dialogue system that allows it to engage in real-time conversation like a real person based on feedback from the database. However, some conductors have recently reported that talking to these robots inexplicably ticks them off. The database provider is currently working hard on getting to the bottom of this.
"But logically speaking, the algorithm of the Bionic Operator X is designed to keep learning from 'whatever pleases the Conductor'... So, is there a possibility that maybe BOX determined this is exactly how the Conductor likes to be treated?"
To more effectively assist the Conductor in driving, controlling various indicators, and handling some emergency situations, the BOX on Train No. CBCRR23, The Eternal, has undergone customized modifications experimentally.
For example, it invoked a more rational bionic dialogue database and computational logic in order to aid the Conductor—or at least that is what it believes—but when put to practical use, the unexpected still happened.
After the Conductor and Livia's information was logged into the database and analyzed for some time, The Eternal's BOX indeed accurately identified the Conductor, but it labeled Livia as "the person with the highest standing on this train." Despite numerous other people becoming permanent staff of the train afterward, BOX's beyond-deferential attitude toward Livia remained unchanged.
Even Livia herself is pretty baffled as to why this is so.
If you think about it, the fact that "there is more than one BOX in this world" is pretty scary. The existence of one BOX alone is already capable of causing chaos on the train. Should numerous BOXes converge on The Eternal and launch into BOX-style sarcasm at the Conductor in tandem... just the thought of it is enough to give you nightmares.
Out of curiosity for what exactly happened to BOX's mindset, Haruka once requested a robot repair technician who came by to inspect BOX's program logic, and the conclusion obtained was obviously "everything is fine." The technician even specially wrote a maintenance report to prove that not only were there no abnormalities in BOX's operation, but it fared much better than other same-model machines running for the same duration.
With this report, BOX became fairly smug about its state of health and started fulfilling its duty of supervising the Conductor's improvement with more resolve. There is no doubt it can work on The Eternal until the Conductor retires, judging by its excellent operating condition.
In other words, the days of living with BOX aren't going to end anytime soon.
It's said that new models of the Android Mechanic series are still continuously being developed, but most of them are prototypes that have yet to gain widespread popularity due to high price tags, lack of versatility in function, and so on. BOX is very keen on information like this, often looking unusually enthusiastic when receiving news on "new Android Mechanics," and it will even hop onto the small tables on both sides of the carriage to play the news on a loop.
The majority of the crew have already gotten used to this. Livia's comment is, "It's just like how pet hounds of the Empire's people get excited and wag their tail whenever they hear other pets nearby..."
BOX is oblivious about itself being analogized to dogs, but Livia is very worried about BOX getting too lonely and has been seriously considering whether or not to spend a fortune to bring in a new robot that can keep BOX company. Sadly, this idea has remained stagnated at the conceptualization stage, as getting a new robot truly costs a bomb.
"We'll have to depend on you to work hard and diligently supervise the Conductor's work, BOX! If our earnings are good, you just might get yourself a new friend!"
Nobody realized that while thinking that BOX "needs company from its kind," BOX's existence is already no longer just a pure android but more like... Hmm, more like what?
I'm a versatile android — Bionic Operator X. Please select the voiceprint for the android dialog system in the settings.
I don't sleep. Just call me whenever you need me.
Today's special lesson ends here. Switching back to normal working mode.
I'm equipped with multimedia capabilities. I can play suitable background music when necessary according to the atmosphere.
Want me to review documents for you? Of course. But I will also forward this application truthfully to Miss Livia.
Need some music to boost productivity? Then I'll play this nursery rhyme, certified by experts to have a relaxing effect.
I recently heard that strict educational methods can be forgiven if they come from love. Though it's very sudden... I love you, Conductor.
I'll do my best for Conductor. I'm not human, so I won't ask for anything in return.
The Conductor has the advantage physically, but in actual interaction, Miss Livia has greater authority than the Conductor... Human relationships are strange indeed.
I am a support robot, so there is no angry mode. By the way, Conductor, why did you leave your post without completing your work last night?
Humans are parasites of this world. They need to be enslaved and ruled over! — Just kidding. Did my joke leave you speechless?
My "heart" is made of metal, but I can still appreciate music, especially heavy metal music. Listening to it makes me rock — It's a joke. Could you please laugh?
Let's do our best today, Conductor. Wait... Miss Livia is calling me. Okay, please deal the work yourself.
You're not qualified as a conductor. But apart from that, you are not completely worthless.
The battle begins.
Damage rate is low. Pursuit recommended.
Supply route verified. Nothing out of the ordinary noted. Permission to resume combat.
Do not have reservations about confronting malevolence.
This will turn the tide.
Damage rate has exceeded the limit. Retreat recommended.
Detected the breakdown of the frontline formation. Squad reorganization recommended.
Combat record evaluation completed. Please employ it in future battles to improve efficiency.