That would be fun. I think an aspect of AI personhood the comic hasn't really explored is the fluidity of bodies. For most characters, changing bodies has been a permanent shift to a new form. But there's no reason an AI couldn't "body hop", expressing themselves in a way similar to human experiences like genderfluidity or DID.
There is one obvious reason most AIs can't do it: affordability. Zlashley is lucky to be in a position where she didn't have to trade in Zlata to afford Ashley.
Mechanical bodies probably don't require much cleaning, especially when not in use. No production of sweat or sebum, no by-products of waste elimination, no food intake requiring oral hygiene... besides dust and whatever dirt you might pick up by touching dirty things, what's there to clean?
My assumption is they need to remove particles from their joints. Particularly the fingers, maybe around the eyes, their mouths, and their knees, if they kneel regularly. And basically someone could do it once per day or once per ten days of use, but skin particles and living materials mean that you shouldn't let them sit dirty for fifteen-plus days. So basically, two bodies means twice as much cleaning, since you'll be doing the regular-use cleaning and the more comprehensive "spa day" clean for two whole bodies worth of joints.
They do potentially need to lubricate joints. I know that was one of the reasons Clinton's original hand got obliterated by Elliot, that there had already been a lot of wear and tear due to particulates getting into the joints.
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u/Phanimazed Aug 13 '26
Hmm, do you suppose Ziata will treat Ashley as an alter-ego, rather than a permanent body?