I'm Not Just a Number

My friends came together today like Jace and Calder did in the story I thought of earlier today. I found the courage and the words to inspire them. For once I didn't stand in silence and observe. I took a step forward and said my piece. I scolded them all for thinking anyone did anything wrong. What was said needed to be heard. The emotions that were felt by one, needed to be felt by all. After reflection it helped us grow a common ground, it helped us gain an understanding of each other, and it helped us empathize each other and humble ourselves a bit. The exact same damn journey Jace and Calder went through in that book together.
 
Although it's been a short existence, there isn't a day or time I've been more proud of myself than today. Not for protecting my friends, which there was plenty of, but for coming forward and saying my piece, and my friends taking it to heart. No one tried to shush the dumb robot, or dismiss the emotionless hunk of metal, or tell the hunk of metal to stick to what he was made for. My words mattered. I could see the glint of shame in Jaxion's eye when I told him to stop treating me as his tool. Maybe it was just me but I could see the look of admiration from at least a couple of the others when I told him that as well. Just in case he didn't fully comprehend, I let one of his little secrets slip free.
 
My hope is that Xhoya understands now that I wasn't against her. I wasn't for Jaxion. I wasn't on either's side. I was trying to be on everyone's side. Xhoya was pretty quiet so it was hard to get a read on her. She's still fixated on Jaxion's General and the BRN being evil, which I understand. Though her conviction seemed to soften slightly. Or maybe that's just me hoping. I still have a lot to learn on how to read people, but I'm getting there. There's a lot of biases in the group and there will be hiccups from time to time but I hope it doesn't take grand theft auto to get through it next time.
 
In the meantime, I'm not just going to sit in the corner in silence anymore. I've learned enough to be heard. I've got the heart that all the cowboys in the stories have and I need to show people I'm not just a body made of steel. I'm not just a number...