"query: purpose [social networking]"
"Humans like to virtually hang out with people with common interests. Social interaction is a big thing for us."
"interests?"
"You know. Hobbies. Things you like to do or talk about."
A thoughtful, electronic chitter was the only response.
Jaime absently scratched behind one ear with his pencil, then started scribbling out another math homework problem. Khaji-Da, his resident embedded (literally) AI had been asking him assorted Internet-related questions for the last half hour, and Jaime was starting to mostly tune it out. All he wanted was to get his homework done so he could go hang out with Paco and Brenda, hopefully without interruptions from aliens, crime bosses, or La Migra crazies.
"query: proper etiquette for choosing user name"
"Usually something catchy and related to who you are. But still anonymous."
Another electronic chitter of noise, this one radiating satisfaction in waves up and down Jaime's spine.
"acceptable: [AzureKiD]?"
"Yeah, su-- Wait. Are you setting up a blog!?"
"affirmative. account: activated. listing interests: weaponry[blade, projectile, laser, particle accelerator, nuclear], colors[blue, black], artificial intelligence, metahumans, friends[Jaime Reyes, friends of Jaime Reyes]."
A second later the scarab added, "adding to interests: cat macros."
Jaime groaned and slumped over to do a literal headdesk on top of his math homework. Why had he thought it was a good idea to suggest that Khaji-Da browse the internet to learn more about human culture?
Hector--Jaime's virtual Beetle Cave and intelligence gathering admin--chose this moment to break in over the radio.
"Hey, blue boss, we've got a hostage situation, some guy holding his ex and her kids in an apartment. Cops are there, but they're requesting Blue Beetle backup."
Homework forgotten, Jaime was on his feet and heading for the window. "All right, Hector, on our way. Mom, Dad, I'm going out to fight crime! Be back soon!"
"can has explosions?" the voice in his head inquired hopefully.
Jaime sighed.
"Yes, Scarab. You can has explosions. As long as they're nonlethal. Now, let's do this thing!"
A/N - *blinks* Wow. I wrote fic. Okay, a drabble. But still, that hasn't happened in... over a year? Two years? Anyway, hello all. I've joined Dreamwidth. :D This account will be for creative things only, no personal business or dramatic whining. In honor of the occasion: crack. :D