//------------------------------// // Lesson 7 – (Part 1) How to Fall in Love… Again // Story: Discord Teaches Philosophy: On Love // by CrackedInkWell //------------------------------// On the final day of the final lesson, Discord stood guard before his classroom door. As usual, his appearance provided a theme for that day’s lesson. Parts of him such as most of his head, his lion’s arm, a good chunk of his torso, and his tail were covered with a mechanical replacement. Yet, judging by the slumped body language, he seemed to be deactivated at the moment. “I’m almost afraid to ask what he’s up to,” Twilight remarked to Fluttershy. “It has something to do with his lesson.” “Well, I know that. But during this past week, all of us have been inside pieces of art, an insane game show, an upside-down form of martial arts, a carnival from Tartarus, an obscure science-fiction reference, and chained down to a rock in the middle of nowhere. So please forgive me if I should be concern with the cyborg getup.” “Oh, don’t worry, he told me that this last lesson is going to be harmless. If anything, he insists that this will be quite interesting.” “Is that right?” Rarity inquired, with Applejack and Rainbow Dash following behind her. “Pray tell, what exactly is he going to do today?” Fluttershy swallowed, “Well I can’t exactly give it entirely away…” Applejack raised an eyebrow, “But…?” “Look, all I can say is that we’re going to participate in a double-blind date.” “What does that mean?” Rainbow questioned. “And what’s with Discord two-point-O?” “If I have to hazard a guess,” Twilight said, eyeing Discord, “that it might have something to do with being paired up at random with advanced technology.” “That’s… part of it.” Fluttershy nodded. “But even then, there is a point to be made.” “Ta be frank,” Applejack said, looking over at the other students waiting in the hallway, most of their expressions seem low. “Ah don’t know what other points there’s ta be made. Considerin’ yesterday, it seems ta me that the overall lesson is don’t fall in love.” “Oh no! That’s not the point at all,” Fluttershy shook her head. “Is that right? Because all Ah’ve been hearin’ this past week is that bein’ in a relationship is so dang complicated that if yer insane enough ta go inta one, it’s all gonna end up blowin’ up in yer face.” Frowning, Fluttershy replied, “That’s not true and you know it. Isn’t that like saying that because there’s always a risk in eating from food poisoning to choking that you’re never going to eat again? But would you rather hear it all its downsides, its risks, its consequences before it may happen? In a way, it’s like learning to fly. Yes, anyone with wings could do it, but there are conditions that might be dangerous if you don’t know about how to deal with it first.” “It’s a good point that I’ve heard before,” Twilight said. “But looking at this class and what we’ve been through, I think it’s very easy to think otherwise.” “Which is why this final lesson is so important.” She turned to Discord, “Just wait and see.” Minutes later, in the distance, the town’s clocktower chimed, and the cyborg Discord suddenly straightened up. A blue light pulsated among the veins of the mechanical parts upward towards Discord’s head and into the black screen that covered his eyes. It flashed bright blue for a moment before it went dark again but scrolled across the following message. Loading… Startup Systems… Access Validation for Lesson 7… Access Granted… The screen over his face went black again for a brief moment when two digital lines of blue were formed. Those lines opened up into eyes that blinked. “Well, good morning class.” Discord said with a grin. “Glad to see you all have decided to stay up to the end. I’m so proud of all of you have endured up to this point.” “Okay Mr. Discord,” Smolder folded her arms, “What do you got for us now? I guess the whole breakup thing isn’t enough for you.” “Well, funny enough you should ask. Because of today’s lesson, all of you are about to take part in an experiment – one that will take place centuries from now. Don’t panic, it doesn’t involve electrical shocks or anything that scarring. Luckily for all of you, no being chained to a rock will be necessary today.” “I’m scared to ask this,” said Starlight, “but what is the experiment?” Discord’s smirk grew wider, much to the concern of the class. “First, some context. The year is 1279, and a couple of decades before, something called A.I. or Artificial Intelligence, has not only been perfected, but it has mapped out the mind in its entirety. But that wasn’t enough for those futuristic IT guys. Oh no, they want to go one step further to develop something unique, something beneficial for all you living, breathing creatures. They want to develop something called A.E.I. or Artificial Emotional Intelligence. The purpose was to use this technology as a useful psychological tool in a wide range of areas. Including today’s lesson – moving on, and how to find love after a breakup.” “Finally,” Spoiled Rich commented, “something I could use.” “That’s good to hear your enthusiasm because all of you are about to come face to face with this brand spanking new technology. If anything, all of you are about to go on a blind date with one of these. You’ll just sit in a room with them, you’ll both will ask some questions, and you’ll learn today’s lesson.” Blinking, Lyra raised a hoof. “That’s it?” “That’s it.” “Now hang on,” she walked forward, “This cannot be that simple. What’s the catch?” Discord snapped his paw, “Oh! That’s right! I’ve forgotten something critical, didn’t I? Silly me. I suppose I’ve left out what this experiment is really about.” There was intrigue among the students. “And that being…?” Fancy Pants inquired. “Well, I suppose now would be a time to be open with all of you. In the future with this new technology of A.E.I, those technology pioneers wanted to see something that has two purposes. First, they wanted to see if the machine could not just empathize with you but help identify the source of the breakup. To really look through a magnifying glass as it were, to spot the specific reasons why the relationship that ended was too much – even when you don’t realize it.” “That sounds interesting,” Miss. Harshwhinny nodded, “What’s the other purpose?” “Ah,” Discord grinned, “This to me is the most fascinating part of the entire experiment! Since the machines you’re about to encounter have the intelligence as most of you, as well as developed a great emotional understanding – they wanted to see if it was possible for a machine, and partly the participant – to fall in love with anyone. And I do mean… Any… One. Even with those who are tricky, who are difficult, even among those that even they consider as unlovable. But is it possible? That, my fellow students, is what you’re about to find out.” Fascinated by the idea, the students began to pair up. To which Discord tilted his head. “What are you doing?” “We’re pain’ up.” Applejack pointed out. “That would not be necessary. Today, it will be one on one.” “Okay…?” Silverstream raised her claw, “What do we do?” “Simple. One at a time, I will let you through the door. You’ll meet up with the machine, to which both of you will talk until the end of the class. There will be cue cards to help prompt discussion. Like so.” He eyed Mrs. Cake and waved over to her, “You there, how about you go first?” “Me?” Nodding, Discord’s tail took hold of the doorknob to turn it. Then pushing the door to his classroom open, the students peered inside. This time it was a small room. Brightly lit yet soft upon the eye, it was a clean, white-walled, and floor space. In the center of the room was a sky-blue table with a stack of cards. But on the other side of that table sitting down on its haunches, a silvery pony leaned over, its head looking down as if it fell asleep. However, this “pony” didn’t look as it was made of flesh and fur, but pieces of plastic being held together. It almost looked like a toy than an achievement of the future. This curious setting was enough for Mrs. Cake to walk forward. Once she walked into the room, she gave a glance over to her husband before Discord closed the door and open it again. Mrs. Cake had seemed to vanish. “Hey, where did she go?” Mr. Cake demanded. “Bring her back!” “Before you have a heart attack, sharping up those pitchforks to stab me - she’s safe. When she’s done talking to the machine, she’ll walk out of the same door she walked in. All of you will. Now,” he waved towards the open door, “who else wants to go next?” When it was Braeburn’s turn, he walked into the clean, cozy room before Discord shut the door behind him. He eyed the waiting machine, walking all around it, examining closely at the pieces that looked as if they were made to slide over one another. There weren’t any wires or any outside thing that would make it move. Nor any instructions on the thing to give a hint on how to turn it on. In some ways, it looked like an overcomplicated mannequin, the kind one would see standing in windows to show off the latest clothing. He waved a hoof in front of its blank face, hoping to get a reaction out of it. Even tapping its head but got no response. “Hello?” Braeburn said, “Anypony home?” This got a reaction. The machine sat straight up at attention but remained seated. Braeburn stepped back, uncertain what else thing was gonna do. “State attracted gender to converse with.” It said in a monotone, natural, mechanical voice. Braeburn blinked. “Uh… stallion?” On the machine’s head, he saw colorful lines being drawn in every color imaginable as if it was sketching up a face. A simple one with eyes, eyebrows, two tiny holes for the nose, and a mouth. The colors settled on a royal blue before they ran off the face, forming other lines over the tips of the ears, down the neck, highlighting the joints and muscles to its torso, flank, and hooves. Braeburn saw that on its flank, the lines drew up a cutie mark. It was the number twenty-six. Next, the lines formed on the back of its neck and dock that grew out a mane and tail in strands of glowing blue. In his eyes, the mane it grew was short enough to look like a stallion’s mane cut. Lastly, Braeburn saw the thing take in a deep breath. Its withers expanded and contract as if it came to life. Finally, the eyes opened. It blinked and looked around the room until it found Braeburn. “Oh, hello.” It spoke again, but the voice had noticeably changed in pitch and tone. Gone was the mechanical voice, and in its place one that sounded friendly to the ear. A male’s voice that behind it was one that was gentle, intelligent, but patient. “Uh…” Braeburn blinked again, “Howdy?” “You sound uneasy,” the machine observed in a matter-of-fact way, “Is this your first time at the lab?” “Ah… guess so?” “Oh,” the robot nodded but gently smiled. “It’s alright, I suppose it would be uncomfortable when coming across something new and unfamiliar. My name is twenty-six. What’s your name?” Braeburn tilted his head, “Yer name is twenty-six?” “That’s right. But I find it intriguing that, going by your voice, facial expression, and body language that you find it strange.” “Well, it’s jus’… not a common name.” “Maybe for a living being, which would make sense. To name someone of flesh and blood a number would probably be seen as cruel. But not to a machine like myself. That’s why I have a number because I’m the twenty-sixth copy from the original. Again, what is your name, I don’t think you said it yet.” “Well uh…” clearing his throat, he tilted his hat. “Name’s Braeburn.” “Brae… burn.” Twenty-six repeated slowly as if learning a new word from an unknown language. The machine repeated the name a few times in different tones as if tasting the sound for the first time like how one would with fine wine. All the while, the stallion noticed that the blue lines were changing color to a granny smith green. “Braeburn. It sounds rustic, old fashioned but has an enduring ring to it.” Twenty-six smiled, “I like it.” “So…” Braeburn looked around the empty room, “Now what? Ah was told ta just come in and talk.” “Would you care to sit down?” Twenty-six offered, “Now that I know your name, we can get started.” Seeing that there was no reason to oppose it, Braeburn took a seat across from the machine. “So…” Braeburn twiddled his hooves, “What should we talk about?” Twenty-six hummed. “May I ask you a personal question?” “Ah guess.” “Are you currently in a relationship?” “Well yeah, Ah’m married.” “Oh…” The light green on Twenty-six morphed into gray, its voice sounded somewhere between disappointed and walked on something sensitive. Braeburn raised an eyebrow, “Why?” “Just…” Twenty-six rubbed a hoof behind its neck, squiggly lines formed on the cheeks as if it were blushing. “I almost hoped you weren’t. Forgive me, I didn’t know you were already taken.” “Ah am. At least… Ah hope we will be.” This caught the machine’s attention. “Why? Is something wrong?” Braeburn sighed, “Just had a rough week is all. With this class openin’ up our eyes ta how deeply flawed our relationship is. Lately, Ah’ve been thinkin’ that Ah might not be a good husband after all.” Twenty-six hummed, its electronic lines turning bright white. “Interesting. You’re currently indicating signs that you’re overwhelmed by a massive responsibility.” “Ya can say that again.” “If it’s alright for you to share, would you explain to me the nature of this problem you’re facing?” “Bein’ nosy, aren’t we?” “Don’t worry, whatever information you share will only remain confidential within this room. Besides, I’m looking forward to testing out my problem-solving skills. And I have been programmed to be a good listener. If it’s alright for you to go into detail, I’d love to help.” Twenty-six smiled. Braeburn hummed, “Well, if ya put it like that. Ya know why Ah’m here in the first place?” “I confess that I don’t.” “It has ta do with our marriage. Don’t get me wrong, Ah don’t regret marryin’ Trouble, and Ah wouldn’t say that the past couple of years weren’t a waste but…” He thought over for a moment, “Before we came, Ah was gettin’ worried that he was becomin’ more distant. Like Ah upset ‘em over somethin’ Ah didn’t know what. He goes about sulkin’, even tryin’ ta outright avoid me. Like this one time fer our anniversary, Ah prepared this nice dinner from scratch. Got it all nice and perfect. But then Ah waited… and waited… Hours later, eleven at night, he finally came home drunk. So much so that Ah doubt he knew what planet he was on. Boy, Ah tell ya, Ah never been so upset in mah life. Fer a long time, Ah couldn’t figure out what was wrong with ‘em. “Then Ah attended this class and realized that it wasn’t jus’ him. It was me. He acted the way he did because, as it turns out, he was terrified that Ah wouldn’t love ‘em anymore and leave ‘em fer someone else. Since Ah realized that Ah’ve been so busy ta even give him five minutes of attention, it probably contributed ta the idea. So he’s been sabotaging himself before Ah could do anythin’. “Now it jus’ makes me wonder if Ah was ever ready fer this. Ah mean sure, Ah have been busy with jugglin’ a billion things at once – being the head welcomin’ committee of our town, part-time depute and part-time ambassador ta the Buffalo tribe, Hoofball coach, violin teacher, event’s organizer, and farmer on top of all that. So now findin’ out that mah own husband isn’t happy just… makes a failure.” Nodding, Twenty-six change color again to a dark purple. “Forgive my ignorance, but what is your husband like?” “Trouble?” “If that’s his name.” “Yeah, it is. Troubleshoes is the name. But as to what he’s like. Well, we’d had a complicated relationship from the start. Ah mean, fer a while, we all thought he was an outlaw – nothin’ too serious, jus’ a bunch of property damage. But once things cleared up, that he was jus’ misunderstood, and found his callin’ as a rodeo clown on the part of being clumsy… Well, bein’ one of the ponies that arrested ‘em and findin’ out what he’s really like… Ah felt like an idiot and apologized. We didn’t hit it off right away. Now and then Ah bump inta him – literally on some days. Trouble, Ah forgot ta tell ya, is that he’s often prone ta bad luck, and given his size, tends ta stumble on his own four hooves. Fer a while, and understandably so, he had this downer attitude as if the whole world is jus’ out ta get ‘em. Ironically, it was his bad luck that had me found out that he’d fancy me… Though how Ah found out is… embarassin’, and let’s leave it like that.” “What did you find in him that you found so appealing?” Twenty-six inquired. “To be blunt with you, a large, clumsy stallion couldn’t be the grounds for marriage, isn’t it?” “Course not. Trouble is more than those. Ah mean… when Ah dated ‘em, he was stiff as a bundle of wooden boards. But in a way, he’s like one of those fancy puzzle boxes, ya know, the ones where ya have ta tap in the right place ta get ‘em ta open up. It took a while, but Ah finally hit a spot where he showed that underneath the gruff surface, he’s really a sweet softy. A sentimentalist that jus’ wanted life ta be better. Then on another date, Ah found out that Trouble with all of his giant size and strength could move mountains if someone were ta believe in ‘em. That fer a long time, he was convinced he wasn’t worth bein’ anythin’, but when ya get ‘em ta put his mind ta it, give ‘em a goal and focus, he could accomplish anythin’. And weirdly with these lessons, Ah now found out that he never got used ta receive affection as he rarely got any. Ah don’t want ta make it sound like Ah pity ‘em but… no, he told me that Ah was the only pony that he could be vulnerable around as long as Ah have the time.” “From what I’m hearing,” Twenty-six observed, “is that you found a sensitive side that you connected with. Someone who is emotionally damaged but has a tenderness that you found charming in some way.” “Well… Yeah.” Braeburn nodded, “In the early days when Ah could get ‘em ta open up, it turns out that he can get thoughtful, offer up a point of view that Ah never considered before. When he’s in a good mood, as rare as that could be some days, he can be funny and laugh about himself. But other days, when Ah’m goin’ at high speed, he’d try ta slow me down ta look at the bigger picture. Nowadays, it’s almost like we’re strangers again, but Ah don’t want that, and… somehow Ah has the feelin’ that neither does he.” At that point, Twenty-six raised a mechanical hoof. “Yes?” This time, Twenty-six’s lights morphed into pink. “Could I ask you a personal question?” Braeburn shrugged, “Ah guess.” “Let’s say that you’ve never met your husband until this week. In other words, that you’ve met him for the first time, so without all that stuff you said, if you were to meet him now, would you still fall in love with him?” “Excuse me?” “Humor me for a minute. Just imagine that you’ve never married him, never got to know what he was like on a deeper level. That you never got to personally know all the pros and cons being around someone like that. Now imagine that you two just met this week – would you consider giving someone like Trouble a chance to become a romantic partner?” “Well…” Braeburn thought over this sicario, his eyes looked at the table. “Considerin’ how difficult he’s been lately… probably not.” “But I would.” This caught the cowpony off guard, “I mean, if all the kinks in my programing were worked out and had a synthetic, bio-like body, then I would have given him a chance.” “Why’s that? Ah mean, sure, Ah know he’s worth somethin’ in hindsight, but if Ah jus’ met him this week, Ah would have thought he was cold, unresponsive, and kept himself as isolated as an oyster.” “Well, Braeburn sir, do you know what my programming is based on?” He shook his head, “Have you heard of a pony called Fluttershy?” “Kinda, what does that got ta do with anythin’?” “Hundreds of years ago, she was one of the Elements of Harmony who was known for her kindness. There have been countless studies, debates, and philosophies that have sprung around her actions. For example, when Discord was released from his stone prison in hopes to reform him, most of the other elements didn’t trust him because, in the past, he was this evil creature who has harmed them and their home. But Fluttershy was the only one who gave him a chance. Not because she doubted her friends, but she saw past Discord’s tricky personality and saw his potential for good. I could go on, but with countless creatures from ponies to monsters, she always looked past the outside looks and behavior for what’s good about them. “A century after her death, when scholars poured over the details of her life, a wise philosopher looked at every act of her kindness and summed it all up to what she was trying to get at. He said: ‘The creature who truly understands the nature of love, will find that they can love anyone.’” Braeburn scratched his head, “Sorry, but Ah don’t quite follow.” “In other words, Fluttershy’s understanding of love is something revolutionary in its own quiet way. It’s the idea that love doesn’t just belong to a specific thing or quality in others – but it extends to all thinking, feeling creatures – even and especially those who aren’t fully deserving of love.” “Okay, now that Ah find hard ta get mah head wrapped around.” Braeburn rubbed the side of his head. “You’re sayin’ that love shouldn’t be earned but blindly given out like Nightmare Night candy?” Twenty-six shook his head. “I’m afraid that I have explained that idea badly. My apologies.” “Look, ya gonna have ta back up fer me. How did ya go from me explainin’ my doubts about mah marriage ta the whole love is free or what have ya?” Twenty-six turned back to white, “I see… And I think I might have spotted the problem that is preventing you from understanding me.” “And what’s that?” “Braeburn, could you define love for me.” Braeburn tilted his head, “Define it?” Twenty-six nodded. “Well… Love is uh…” He trailed off, trying to figure out the words. “And I don’t mean something like sex,” the machine clarified, “nor am I referring to that warm feeling either. I mean, what does love do?” “Since ya put it like that…” Braeburn hummed, “Love, Ah think, is a kind of care that you have for another, probably because you’re more invested in than you would fer someone ya just walked by in the street. It’s a… a kind of obligation where ya help out, even when ya don’t feel like it. Where ya put in the effort ta listen ta their troubles. Even when it’s taxin’ on some days, ya still do it because ya know they would do the same fer ya as you would fer them.” Twenty-six nodded in agreement, “Yes, but for my programming, there is something else to this too. But to put it in plain Equestrian: Love, for me, is the act of using one’s full imagination and empathy, to look past one’s threatening, frustrating, or disapproval appearance to find a hidden tender side of another.” “So in other words, the ability ta put yerself in another’s horseshoes.” “If you like.” “Okay, but even with empathy, Ah don’t know about you, but jus’ because ya could understand someone, doesn’t mean that ya shouldn’t have some limits when it comes ta bein’ married ta them.” “I agree. Everyone has different needs when it comes to being with a romantic partner. But at the same time, it’s also quite helpful to keep this idea of love in mind when you’re married. Even more so when you’re not.” “How come?” Twenty-six hummed, “Now there’s a portamento answer to that question.” “A what?” “Portamento, a word that here means: two different solutions packed into one answer.” The machine explained as its lights turned into a dark green. “You see, most living, thinking beings would like to follow love that follows a comforting familiar set of rules that, to put this idea of love into the mix would leave one feeling really… squeamish.” “How?” “For example, if someone hurts you on a personal level – like say your husband called you a name or pointed something out that crossed a line. Or maybe he threw something heavy at you and it really hurt – how would you respond?” “Easy, Ah would try ta avoid ‘em. Protect mahself from gettin’ hurt again.” “And your husband in this case? How would you see him?” “Ah would say that he doesn’t love me anymore, and instead Ah got a monster on mah hooves.” “Exactly. So with this idea of love, trying to see this same stallion with such bad behavior as someone who is hurting too…” Twenty-six watches Braeburn’s expression where he gave a confused, uncomfortable look. “Precisely, thinking like that would just feel wrong. “Another example is that if a creature you’ve never seen before looks strange and threatening, would you think that they would have a touching side to them?” “Well, if Ah didn’t know what they were like first, Ah wouldn’t.” “And if you see someone, a pony, who said or did something incredibly selfish, controlling, arrogant, would you think that it’s a reaction of something that they couldn’t cope with?” “Well, no. Ah would say that they’re bein’ a jerk.” Twenty-six nodded. “That’s where love as I know it comes into play, and where I’m being tested at. It’s an extra effort to use one’s imagination to see past the obvious for an uncertain hidden thing. Yes, it’s easy for anyone and anything to write off bad behavior as pure evil plain and simple. But that line of thinking is lazy. Love is taking that extra step, trying to use every mental ability to see how someone could be like this. Granted, it may not excuse them from doing certain, serious things, but it does give one a better understanding of how such things could happen from a realistic point.” “As interestin’ as that is,” Braeburn pointed out, “what does any of that have ta do with Trouble?” Twenty-six brightened up in yellow with an excited expression. “Oh, I’m excited you asked! So you say that your husband is acting distant and that the reason was that he’s afraid you might leave him for someone else, yes?” “Hit it on the snout.” The machine nodded, “So, let’s stretch those imaginary muscles of yours by asking you a simple question.” Leaning forward, Twenty-six grinned, “What do you think Trouble was like as a foal?” “I…” Braeburn blinked, “Ya know, Ah’ve never thought of that.” Scratching his mane he added, “Besides, Ah don’t think he really talked about it much.” “That in and of itself should give a clue. Knowing what he’s like, how he behaves, his way of raising a complaint or expressing himself – how do you think it was like in foalhood to become what he is now?” For a long time, Braeburn tried to envision his husband as a young colt. He thought about Trouble as someone who was a good deal shorter, a higher voice, and probably was still a bad luck magnet. He could almost see the shattering of crockery, the windows cracking, the roofs caving in, the toys that would fall to pieces as soon as he touched one. Braeburn thought that such an existence would be so frustrating, if not guilt-inducing when bad things happen regardless if you intend it or not. What kind of friends would he have played with without wearing some protective gear? What kind of family would it be like for him as one catastrophe just happens after another? Was Trouble blamed a lot of things growing up? Did they show any ounce of love to him as misfortune follows him around? “Ya know…” Braeburn finally remarked, “Ah could see why Trouble would be scared of me leavin’… perhaps it’s because he rarely got any love. He’s expectin’ me ta abandon him as so many have done before. Perhaps he’s so used ta being mistreated that he’s expectin’ me ta do the same.” Twenty-six nodded excitedly. “Very good! That’s the kind of love that so many need. Including yourself.” “Pardon?” “Well,” Twenty-six explained, his lights turning blue. “The sad truth is, everyone is in some ways difficult to be around with – it takes another to see those flaws since we’re so up-close to them that we don’t notice them. As much as your Husband would benefit from this vision of love, I’d bet you would need it too.” “In what way?” “Well, if I’m being blunt and please, do forgive me for what I’m about to say with my observations-” “But…” Braeburn interrupted, an eyebrow raised. Twenty-six took in a deep breath, “Anyone without this idea of love would see you at first glance as someone who talks a lot, has an ego that the world revolves around you, that you’re a touch selfish, and disagreeably somewhat prideful.” The machine added an embarrassed smile at the end of it. “Again, my apologies.” “Shoot, if that’s what ya really think of me, ya must think Ah’m awful, ain’t it?” The machine’s lights turned into a soft red. “Oh no, no… well, yes, but that’s not the point. Yes, I do see and hear your flaws, but from my point of view, I don’t believe you’re unlovable. This is why this idea of love is so important – to look past the obvious and see the tender sides that aren’t.” Twenty-six turned pink, and with an embarrassed smile added, “If even a machine like me can see that, do you think that you would like your husband to see you the same way?” Braeburn sighed, “Dang… That’s actually a good point. But, what about that stuff if yer out of love? Like, say after ya gotten yerself a divorce and you’re lookin’ fer love. What then?” “Well, if that happens, there’s something you need to know. If you find yourself looking for someone that is good for you – try to reflect on what… qualities, you found in your past lovers that meant a lot to you. And I don’t mean physically, I mean things like how mature they are, how often they’re willing to do things for you, how benevolent they could be when you’re not in your right mind; things like that. So when you do, you’ll find that those qualities that attracted you – don’t just belong to the one. If anything, you’ll discover that many others out there hold on to those same qualities – but you’ll have to carefully judge on who you want to spend your life with.” Humming, Braeburn nodded. “Ya know, Ah don’t see mahself seperatin’ from Trouble anytime soon. But if there’s anythin’ from this crazy week Ah’ve learned, is that love isn’t a gut feelin’, but a skill. Ah didn’t know how it until ya point it out. The whole key is empathy.” “Oh, I’m so glad,” Twenty-six applauded, “normally it takes most living beings a whole life-time to figure that out. But you pieced it in one conversation. Congratulations!” Smiling, Braeburn smiled at the compliment. “Awe thanks. Ya know, ya helped me out a lot. Maybe Ah should go find Trouble, we’ve got plenty of things ta talk about on the way home.” “And thank you for talking with me.” Twenty-six smiled, a blush dawned on its face, “Maybe one day we would talk some more.” “Partner,” Braeburn got up, “Ah’m flattered, but Ah’m taken. Yer’re a sweet fella, maybe one day you’ll find someone that you’ll call yer special someone.” “Wouldn’t take long,” Twenty-six turned pink, “After all, I tend to fall in love easily.” “But keep yer wits about ya, don’t let all that know-how go ta waste.” Braeburn tipped his hat to him. “Thanks, fer the talk, but Ah gotta go now.” Twenty-six wished him luck before he walked out of the door. As soon as the door was closed, Twenty-six deactivated, all color drained and it slumped over. From the ceiling, a trapdoor opened and Discord slithered in. He went behind the robot and, after pressing on a button, pulled out the computer paper from its head and studied it. He smiled, “Good,” he said to himself, “another one has passed.”