The Isle

Foulques frowned thoughtfully. "While I don't know what an 'A-I' is, his body is certainly mechanical," he said. "And while I've never asked him directly how he considers himself, he certainly looks and sounds male, and hasn't expressed any objections when referred to as such. And he's both sentient and intelligent; he thoroughly trounced me in a game of chess, can speak and reason, and I've personally seen him laugh, cry, and spontaneously hug me. He is as capable of thought and emotion as you or I."

"And he does indeed wish help, assuming it's possible. We know somewhat the results of what was done, but precisely how it was done and if it can be undone remain to be seen. Frankly I'm sometimes amazed he's not in even worse condition, given how abominably his former masters treated him."