Anthropological Joy

Oca struggled through the ruins, joints creaking with overuse. These monoliths of metal and plastic never get easier to traverse, especially given their instability. Just last cycle, she broke her arm trying to observe the unique orbs floating above the large complex, bracketed by colorful tapestries with a strange braided symbol in the middle. Something that belonged to an Auntie Anne apparently. Everything about the past was fascinating. A grin spread across her face at a further opportunity to learn about the society that build these complexes. With all the individual spaces, perhaps they were used as living spaces? Oca turned away to survey another space when a flickering light caught her attention. She began to scan this strange box when it attempted to initiate a conversation with her.

“What would you like to order?”

She drew in an excited breath, answering eagerly, “Are you from the ancient one’s time?”

A beat. Then, “I’m sorry. I didn’t understand that. What would you like to order?”

She repeated her query, befuddled when it gave her the same answer. Her pout quickly turned into a scowl as the box simply repeated itself. Every. Time. Maybe it was speaking in some form of code? Asking for an order… perhaps she needed to be more direct?

“Tell me about the ancient one’s, box.”

“I’m sorry – Don’t tell me you’re sorry! Tell me how to – calling for a manager.” Oca paused, brow furrowed in confusion at this new term. What type of device is a manager? Though she awaited this manager, nothing seemed to happen. Apparently, everything here was useless.

“You gonna keep staring angrily at that or actually look for supplies like we are supposed to?”

Oca whirled around at the voice, but relaxed at spying its owner.

“Mazo, don’t interrupt my studies!”

“Oca, you have no studies. We are literally here to scavenge supplies to, you know, stay alive. Unlike this dead society you are obsessed with.”

She shot him a glare. “I’m an anthropologist.”

“No, you’re an outcast.”

“Same difference.”

“Is it though?”

Oca never understood Mazo’s reticence to speak of the ancient ones. How could you not be interested in this society that had so much and yet seemed to fall so easily? After all, both of them chose, or in Mazo’s case, were given names based on legends from the ancient world. Regardless of her protests, Mazo dragged her away from her discovery to the tedious task of stocking supplies. Oil, tape, and articles of clothing were items that they always seemed to need. Life out here never became easier, but the ruins of the ancients ones always provided some entertainment. All of their strange complexes and parts gave Oca endless things to ponder. They both needed that, lest they lose their minds.

“Alright, lets get out of here.”

“But!”

“No.”

Mazo’s unimpressed face met her scowl, unaffected as usual. So Oca acquiesced. Still didn’t like it though. As they were walking out of the crumbling complex, another light caught her eye. She recognized that symbol! The two lines that met at the bottom and middle of the top plus the two humps at the top It appeared so frequently that she actually found the name of the symbol. A heart. This one appeared to be metal and hung on a metal chain. To be honest, Oca wasn’t sure what it meant or how it was used. Perhaps a miniaturized weapon of some kind? There were indications that the ancient ones seemed fond of weapons. Or maybe it was a representation of food? They did seem strangely obsessed with that as well. Unsure, Oca turned to Mazo, gesturing to the small part.

“What, don’t know what it is, O’ great anthropologist?”

She primely replied, “Anthropology is all about discovery and inquiry.”

Mazo let out an amused huff. “I honestly don’t know Oca.”

She relayed the possibilities she’s considering, getting a thoughtful hum in return. Humans really were curious creatures. Studying them was a worthwhile endeavor to her at least. Many others thought it was foolish to study the failed apex predator, but Oca was taken with their complexity and diversity. In all honesty, she thought them to be very similar to themselves. That opinion alone probably would have had her exiled, if she hadn’t destroyed the prison and freed everyone detained in there prior to anyone finding out about her thoughts. Details. Her head lightly shook to shake away the memories and she stepped back towards Mazo, taking his hand in hers, the metal gently clinking together. Mazo gave her a puzzled look when she placed the heart symbol in their joined hands.

“I don’t know what it means, but it can be our symbol. Then, we will be reminded of each other in all the ruins we visit.”

“That sounds wonderful”, he replied with a fond smile.

Oca was sure that she could relate to one thing about the humans. Their desire to understand the world and enjoy it, and to symbolize the emotions felt as a result. She smiled to herself, the heart falling easily between them. Anyone, even androids, could understand that.